Sunday, September 13, 2026 · #866
Today's ladder links HOUSE and COUCH — 7 rungs, one letter changing at a time.
Today's Crossclimb ladder
1HOUSEtop
2ROUSE
3ROUGE
4ROUGH
5TOUGH
6TOUCH
7COUCHbottom
Rung clues
- HOUSE —
- ROUSE — Awaken, or stir to action
- ROUGE — Cosmetics purchase for the cheeks
- ROUGH — ___ and tumble (turbulent)
- TOUGH — Hard to chew, like low-quality meat
- TOUCH — Affect one's heartstrings
- COUCH —
How today's puzzle plays
The ladder in order: HOUSE → ROUSE → ROUGE → ROUGH → TOUGH → TOUCH → COUCH.
Clues are easier than the ordering; solve first, arrange second.